Controlling the Tongue: Mastering the What, When, & Why of the Words You Speak

by R.T. Kendall

Those who learn to master their unruly tongues will reap eternal rewards. Everyone at one time or another has said something they later regretted. Our careless words have power and take on a life of their own that also have eternal consequences. In his engaging teaching style, Dr. Kendall helps you learn how to take control of the words you speak by using illustrations from the Bible of characters who spoke without speaking and those who controlled their tongues.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction

224 pages, Hardcover

First published June 5, 2007

Reviews

[Sarah]

I didn't get very far into this book the style is not my favorite kind, but I would have kept reading if it was just that.

He was talking about manipulative speech and the author stated that when Joseph asked the cupbearer to remember him to Pharaoh, that he was trying to manipulate God and that this also showed that Joseph harbored unforgiveness about what happened. I see nothing in those verses, or story, to make me think Joseph had done wrong to tell the cupbearer or anything from that passage that speaks at unforgiveness. Such speculations instantly make me dislike a book. Yes, it is a pet peeve of mine, I know.

[Jeshua]

Generally a good book but not specific to tongue control, often talks about general Christian themes and living outside of that topic in a way which is genuinely helpful. That meant that the issues of the words we speak is not as pointedly addressed as it could be.
Also, sometimes there'd be suggestions/propositions which weren't taken from the Bible, although these were mostly not claimed to be from the Bible, but just as human advice. Even then though, it got a bit frustrating toward the end, especially as these points weren't related to tongue control.
I really appreciate his honesty and willingness to draw on his own experiences.

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had some helpful things to say, but it was less practical than I hoped, and also seems directed to an audience also in full-time ministry like the author; not many relatable anecdotes. In fact, most of the content is paraphrasing Bible stories with which I’m already familiar and not as much on how to control our tongues today. That content coupled with his borderline formulaic, fundamentalist theology gets this book a “no” from me. 30 Days to Taming the Tongue by Deborah Smith-Pagues is much more inspiring and helpful.

[Catherine Ching-lim]

This is my second read of the book because I needed to control my tongue. I have regretted many times when I knew not to speak my thoughts, but I gave way to my flesh, to justify myself and to ultimately put someone down. Oh, how I regret afterward. As Kendall warned, "the person who needs to prove how right or how strong he or she is, is one who is not free." If you want wisdom on exercising control of your tongue, this is a must-read book.

[Alison Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would say this was a fast read with great bite size chunks to digest if you like to mull over and apply what you’ve been learning. This book spells out the Golden Rule beautifully with a backbone in scripture. Lots of value in self awareness. I would recommend this to anyone who has “last word”
Syndrome or the need to prove yourself. Definitely for the mean girls and boys too.

[Sunshine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book!!!!!!!!!!! If there is one book I would recommend in addition to the book I read a few weeks ago (Still and Quiet Mind) to read this year - it would be this one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I found it incredibly convicting, encouraging, and full of practical, Godly help in overcoming one of the most destructive and difficult body parts we have - our tongue. HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend.

[Medhat ullah · Rating 5 out of 5]

judicious self-calibrated linguistics expression to optimize neural cognition :)

[Ruth]

Cat 6

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 1st book by RT Kendall. It was great and really challenged me in many areas!